Sunday, March 11, 2012

I'm so excited to launch a new series here at K&K Test Kitchen. I have to admit that this idea came from a fabulous new website, The Everygirl. Lara, from Simply Irresistible, put together 5 recipes (2 servings each) for a week's worth of dinners for under $50. I've been trying to get inspired to do three things: 1) plan my meals for each week, 2) start doing a better job budgeting for my meals, and 3) cook for just one person. So, the feature on The Everygirl inspired me to create my own weekly menu and to try to keep it under $50. [Please note, this really isn't about being frugal. It is about setting a food budget and trying to stay under it. And while the series is called "5 under $50," I actually spent way less than $50. I left it at $50 in recognition that some grocery stores are more or less expensive than the one that I go to. I am sure that it is possible to spend a lot less at the grocery store for the week, but the point here wasn't to try to spend the least amount possible, it was to have 5 completely different meals.]

So, how did I come up with this menu? First, I looked at the types of ingredients that Lara used - veggies, pasta, 2 types of meat - because to be honest, I'm not very good at determining how much food costs. Second, I thought about ingredients that could be used for more than one recipe - things that would do double duty, especially since each recipe would only serve 2 people (or in my case, be a dinner and a lunch). Third, I thought about the types of food that I like to eat :)

My grocery store total was $33. This included butter, because it was 50% off ($2.50). However, the total did not include the chicken, which I had previously bought at Costco. I estimate the cost of the chicken to be $6. Though, in Canada if you buy it at the grocery store, it would more likely run you from $8-10. Additionally, I already had a jar of olives. I double checked the price on the olives, and they are $3. So, my grand total was probably closer to $40 for the week. Even if you have a more expensive grocery store, your grocery bill should still be under $50 for the week!!

The Everygirl, and I, also recommend some basic pantry staples. For the recipes listed above you will also need:

I feed all of us (4) for about $100 a week, 7 days. It's harder to do if you are doing organic and grass-fed. I decided right now since Im not working to concentrate on healthy,cheap choices. Plus, it sure helps to make everything from scratch. Love the idea Kelsey!